Kenneth Clarke Conservative MP - Iraq War debate - Wednesday 26 February 2003
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2016
- During the Iraq war debate in the Commons, former Conservative Chancellor and leadership contender, Kenneth Clarke, spoke out against the party line.
He insisted that the case had not yet been proven to go to war with Iraq.
Mr Clarke was one of 13 Conservative MPs to defy the party's leader, Iain Duncan Smith, and vote in favour of a Labour rebel amendment seeking to delay military action in Iraq.
The amendment, tabled by MP Chris Smith, proposed that Britain should pursue peace through the United Nations and give Saddam Hussein more time to comply and disarm.
More damaging for Tony Blair, however, was the 121 Labour rebels who broke a three-line whip to vote against the government in favour of the amendment.
The biggest backbench rebellion of his premiership, it was a damaging blow to Mr Blair's authority and portrayed the leader as isolated within his party.
A further 54 Labour rebels voted against the government's own motion which followed, calling on Iraq to recognise its "final opportunity to comply".
The rebel amendment was defeated and the government's motion comfortably passed.
Although neither would determine whether Britain would go to war, the sheer scale of the rebellion highlighted just how divided the House was over going to war with Iraq.
Ken supporting Corbyn, when that happens people should listen and pause
Ken Clarke - absolutely forensic and correct in hindsight -- the war was preordained and agreed by USA/ UK months before; Chilcott inquiry makes clear he was 100% correct
A young David Cameron sitting one row in front of Ken Clarke.
Decent MPs: Ken Clarke, Charles Kennedy, Dennis Skinner
Shite MPs: IDS, Ian Blackford, Diane Abbott
He's supporting Corbyn's motion BTW.
@@bird6691 But criticizes him and Corbyn's conspiratorial views.
Absolutely right. Point, by point, by point.
I remember the speech well and it's wonderful to see it again after all these years. Matters of war and peace should always rise above party considerations. So terribly sad that more Labour and Tory MP's didn't realise that at the time.
incredible , there is not one single reasonable argument to raise against his crystal-clear analysis. And still, they pushed their belligerent politics through, with everything that Ken Clarke foresaw as the sordid result. This man deserves a statue.
It's amazing how mad they look now
As does Corbyn and an apology from everyone in the UK
@@bird6691 Not a Corbyn fan (much close to Clarke on most issues) but he was right and courageous on this one.
A very brilliant speech by an extremely articulate, humble and experienced gentleman. It's a very real shame that Ken did not become PM of our great nation!
Every. Single. Word. True.
Right on Brexit, right on Iraq.
Just BRILLIANT!!!!!!!
Well said Ken (et al).
Ken Clarke is one of the best politician and forward looking poletician. This particular speech shows how the British are rapidly loosing great politicians.
Kenneth Clarke is one of the greatest parliamentary speakers of our time. And is still making valuable contributions to this day. Legend.
Let’s remember these words in relation to Syria today.
One of the greatest speeches in Parliament.
great speech
A far-sighted politician. He was right about the Iraq War (that it was not justified, and could have negative long-term consequences) and, in my opinion, he is right about the European Union (the UK should stay in). He gave a GREAT speech today (31st Jan 2017) on the latter question
+Sue Agree he is a smart politician and was right on Iraq but have to say he is wrong on the European Union.
+James He was a big supporter of us joining the Euro etc, the EU is one area I think he has been completely wrong on.
Nope. He’s right again.
Well said ken mate
Ken Clarke, one of the few tories with a good heart
i'm a labour supporter but i've always liked ken clarke
You do know it was a labour government that took the UK to war dont you kid?
8:38 Hit the nail on the head
I'm not a conservative but Ken Clarke is a great parliamentarian.
I agree on all counts Jack & I'm also no Tory.
This guys legacy is going up all the time. The MP for Islington NE he is supporting is of course Corbyn.
6:46 David Cameron.
"The war will be won quite easily when it takes place" - Ken Clarke. Arrogance or ignorance? Over a million Iraqi's lay dead!
NymphZoic68 I think it was said out of sorrow and despair